Press Coverage January 2021

Cave Creek council its efforts activated grassroots “With public sentiment urging the support from residents who want to OKs Spur Cross town to look at perhaps pursuing the pursue the acquisition of it. The appraisal purchase of the Cross Property aka Facebook group known as Harmony Harmony Hollow, we started talks Hollow Preserve has over 700 By Tara Alatorre, Foothills Focus with Desert Foothills Land Trust members. The group is working on Contributing Writer and Maricopa County at partnering creating a 501(c)(3) to help raise Jan 28, 2021 and looking at lands, and it starts money for local conservation goals. with appraisal services,” said Cave Creek Planning Director Luke Even though the trust is no longer Kautzman at the Jan. 19 meeting. actively pursuing the acquisition of Harmony Hollow, it is still involved To explore Spur Cross Ranch in Spur Cross’ expansion and was Conservation Area’s expansion, an listed as a client on the official RFP intergovernmental agreement had to solicited to appraisers in November be approved between the Maricopa 2020. County Board of Supervisors and

the Cave Creek Town Council. The “Due to their organizational The Cave Creek Town Council county manages the land, which is experience in these matters and unanimously approved a $19,000 owned by the town. Passed in the previous partnerships in acquisition appraisal services contract at its Jan. summer 2020, the IGA retains and and preservation, the town also 19 meeting for an assessment of five splits the costs of an appraiser to included Vicki Preston representing parcels that are all contiguous to the evaluate if expanding the DFLT to provide assistance with the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation conservation area was viable. selection,” Kautzman stated in a Area. recent email to The Foothills Focus.

Acquiring Harmony Hollow for It’s the next step in potentially conservation is not a new effort. The appraisals should be completed expanding the park. During the last couple of years, the this year.

Desert Foothills Land Trust The contract was awarded to attempted to purchase Harmony Anthem-based Richards & Hollow. But an accredited land trust Land Advisors sells Associates, a firm specializing in regulation prohibited it from buying appraising properties for 13 acres in Peoria the property, because it is listed conservation and natural resources above the appraisal price. for $3.25M across nine Western states. It has resulted in hundreds of thousands of In addition, the trust mostly focused acres of land preservation, according on obtaining the Harmony Hollow to its application. Ranch only. It was not looking into

acquiring the other neighboring “I am confident that I am well suited properties that could expand into the to help DFLT, the town of Cave conservation area. That would be Creek and Maricopa County Parks beyond the scope of the trust’s and Rec in their appraisal needs, work. especially considering I have prepared numerous appraisals near REAL ESTATE | 28 Jan “This is kind of wholesale way to the subject tracts in the past several 2021| AZRE approach it,” Kautzman said. “It’s years,” said Gregory Richards of AZ Big Media looking at all the contiguous Richards & Associates in the properties at Spur Cross Ranch submitted contract bid. Land Advisors Organization’s Conservation Area, so it’s really not Metropolitan Phoenix office comparable to what’s been done in The private, separately owned announced the sale of approximately the past, as to where we are properties that will be appraised are 13 acres of land within the Mystic at presently.” about 94 acres and include the Lake Pleasant Heights community

Harmony Hollow Ranch, which has located in Peoria, . Although the trust was prohibited been on the market for over a year from purchasing Harmony Hollow, for $1.5 million. Page 1

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Arizona-based NexMetro attracting smart quantify our IT workforce is more Communities, a leading developer of important than ever. The luxury leased-home neighborhoods, people opportunities for IT professionals purchased the site for nearly $3.25 Sintra Hoffman across sectors are abundant whether million and plans to begin Posted Monday, January 25, they’re working for a local company, constructing phase one of the 2021 4:51 pm remotely for an out-of-state community, which will comprise 263 By Sintra Hoffman company or choosing to launch their luxury multifamily units. Glendale Independent own start-up venture. Westmarc is very focused on identifying these NexMetro is the third builder to land Westmarc is focusing on reaching industry workers and messaging to in this nearly 1,090-acre community California’s brokerage and young them. being developed by a partnership talent communities. between Avanti Properties Group The West Valley boasts more than and Voyager Investment Properties Californians have always been 25 higher education and training LLC, led by Principals Mark Voigt moving to Arizona. This is not new providers, and tech incubators like and Dave Rogers. to our state. But increasingly, people the Surprise Techcelerator and The Peoria land is located on El and companies are making the value- Goodyear Innovation Hub. Mirage and Westland roads, east of based decision to relocate to the first phase of 423 lots in the Arizona. Companies are also evaluating sites Mystic at Lake Pleasant Heights around the nation for relocation. Community where Lennar Homes You can’t beat the price of a home Recent weather-related disasters and Taylor Morrison are scheduled in Arizona compared to California. around the county have turned eyes to start new homes sales this month. Up and comers can finally have the to Arizona’s great climate. It’s American dream if they live here, predicable. If a company is making a The Mystic community is also and particularly in the West Valley. multi-million dollar investment in located immediately north of the Many Californians live here and capital, they don’t want the threats award-winning and highly-successful drive back to see relatives. of unpredictable weather. So why community of Vistancia. The ideal not take advantage of our great northwest Peoria location provides My neighbor is one of those. After location, business friendly future residents with access to many moving to Arizona, specifically the environment, and of course great desirable lifestyle amenities and East Valley, she would make the trek quality of life. outdoor activities at Lake Pleasant back to California to visit family. Regional Park and is just minutes One year later and after seeing the Californians are active and value from the Loop 303 for easy West Valley from Interstate 10, they sunshine and outdoor activities. The connectivity to the surrounding decided to move here because we’re West Valley is home to the White areas. one hour closer to California. Tank Mountains Regional Park, Lake Pleasant Regional park, Greg Vogel, Mike Schwab, Bret More recently, the pandemic and Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Rinehart, Ryan Semro, and Ben social unrest many experienced has I can go on. But the point is we can Heglie, who specialize in home also increased the migration to and are competing, and attracting builder developments and master- Arizona. Many information smart people! planned communities throughout technology workers can and are Arizona for Land Advisors working remotely. So as they move Organization’s Metropolitan to the West Valley, saving money on Find It in This ZIP: Phoenix office, represented the seller housing and other costs, they are Explore Old West in the transaction. The firm spending their salaries locally. This is continues to advise clients on this great for our economy. Overall flavor, early Arizona product type and is working on however, the information technology history, pristine several similar projects in the area industry skill set is one that desert vistas and . transcends all industries. tasty barbecue in Hoffman: The West As the West Valley continues to Valley is competing, work on business attraction and ZIP code 85331 economic development in six target By Kathryn M. Miller industry sectors, the ability to Jan 22, 2021 City Sun Times Page 2

Press Coverage January 2021

row by the Carefree Cave Creek The Town of Cave Creek is a Chamber of Commerce. “This trail connection is so bustling small town about 40 Location: 6130 E. Cave Creek Road important because parking has minutes north of Phoenix. The town Contact/Info: always been an issue. Now people is known for keeping a close 480.575.7155; bryansbarbecue.com can park here at town hall and walk connection to its Old West roots, into town,” Muller said. while offering all of the perks of modern life that both residents and Trail connection will The town’s trail system has been a visitors are looking for — not to provide pedestrian passion project for Muller long mention miles and miles of pristine before she became a part of the Sonoran Desert vistas and homes connectivity planning department. For almost with views of it all. By Tara Alatorre, Foothills Focus three decades she has been working Contributing Writer with property owners to provide The median sale price is $547K — Jan 21, 2021 easements for town trail the current market offers homes connections. ranging from a 1bd/1ba, 858 sq-ft condo for just over $200K to a “The goal is getting closer, there is a 4bd/4.5ba, 4,885 sq-ft, 7-acre estate light at the end of the tunnel. There adjacent Jewel of the Creek are sections that are missing, but we Preserve priced just under $1.5M. are getting closer,” Muller said. (Source: Redfin.com) She said Cave Creek’s trail system is Get outdoors unique because it not only connects Speaking of Jewel of the Creek The new town trail between Cave Creek Town Hall the town to the regional trail system and Spur Cross Road will be constructed in phases Preserve, this desert oasis is and will cause lane closures on the southbound side of like Spur Cross Ranch managed by Desert Foothills Land Cave Creek Road. Conservation Area, but it connects Trust and borders the Spur Cross Photo by Kelley Francis the neighborhoods to the retail Ranch Conservation Area. Flora, shops and other local businesses. fauna, trails and scenic views abound Construction recently started for a on the 2,154-acre park. new town trail connection between In addition, Cave Creek’s trails must Cave Creek Town Hall and Spur be safe for people and equestrians. Take in some culture Cross Road that will improve safety The Cave Creek Museum opened in and connectivity for pedestrians and “Walkways have to service disabled April 1970 and presents the pre- nonmotorized vehicles. and equestrians, and sidewalks are history and history of peoples living bad for horses and can be life in the north desert foothills. The trail will be constructed in dangerous,” she said. “They have to Location: 6140 E. Skyline Dr. phases and is expected to last dig a trough 4 to 6 inches and refill it Contact/Info: approximately five weeks, causing with stabilized granite.” 480.488.2764; cavecreekmuseum.org lane closures on the southbound side of Cave Creek Road. Cave Creek Town Council approved Discover something new the trail connection in October as Cave Creek Tourism Bureau just The first phase of construction is part of its long-term plan to improve moved into its new space at 6061 E. underway, starting near the nonmotorized transportation into Cave Creek Rd., Suite 7. Pop in and intersection of Cave Creek and Spur the town core area. The town’s trail say “hi” between 10am and 2pm. Cross roads, and will end near 38044 system is also a part of the 2021 Contact/Info: N. Cave Creek Road. The draft general plan that will be placed 480.525.2049; cavecreek.org construction will continue moving on the ballot for Cave Creek voters south, ending at town hall. in May. It includes a map of Grab a bite to eat proposed trails. There is a seemingly endless variety Bambi Muller, a planner and trails of places to eat here. One local coordinator for Cave Creek, said this Cave Creek has about 30 miles of favorite, Bryan’s Black Mountain trail connection is a big milestone trails, but Muller said there is an Barbecue, was recently voted “Best for the town because it will provide a official survey underway so they can Restaurant” for the second year in a way for pedestrians to walk into get a better understanding where the town core without having to drive. town can best provide more

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connections to retail shops to aficionados off the artery-hardening alleviate parking issues. stuff.

“We are doing everything retrofit, so That’s because, like eating potato it is very difficult to get businesses to chips, once you start hiking, it’s dedicate space for trails,” Muller difficult to stop. And when you said. She added the land needed to really get into it, you’ll be inspired to connect the town’s trails often takes get fit to take on longer, more away prime parking spaces that difficult treks. businesses need. Rich in biodiversity, ecozones, As with goals in general, it helps to history and scenic beauty, this short, She said the goal is to eventually have a plan. For Phoenix-area hikers, easy hike is a great way to sample allow all residents to walk into town there’s a ready-made plan already in and get hooked on the Maricopa or to the surrounding county parks place. It’s called the Maricopa Trail. and trails while using connections Trail. from the town trail system. Begin by hiking north on the Spur The 315-mile route circumnavigates Cross Trail, an old ranch road. Right “Eventually I want it to go down to the Valley, connecting 10 county from the start, the hike embodies a Carefree Highway.” parks, urban centers, suburbs and remote feel as it delves into hilly national forest trails. Outfitted with backcountry along the leafy corridor For more information about the dozens of trailheads and community of Cave Creek. The waterway fosters construction phases or lane closures, access points, the trail is accessible a healthy community of cottonwood, visit cavecreekaz.gov or call Bambi from anywhere in the Valley. sycamore and mesquite trees where Muller at 480-488-6609. many species of birds thrive in an area that has been named an While the route is still expanding and improving, the main course is important bird area by Audubon If hiking the entire complete. There’s a beginning, Arizona. Maricopa Trail middle and end, which makes it a perfect choice for anybody who After a mild uphill walk and a couple sounds like your wants to earn the feeling of of usually dry creek crossings, the kind of challenge, accomplishment that comes with trail enters . completing a long-distance hike Staying close to the creek bed, the here's how to start without committing to a months- last mile passes through rocky Mare Czinar long, nonstop journey. The corridors and cliffs cluttered with Special for The Republic Maricopa Trail can be knocked off enormous saguaros. A few creek January 21, 2021 in approachable day hikes. hops later, the path meets the Skull Mesa trailhead, where a vintage To kick off your habit, start with the wood sign displays a map and key juiciest segment. While naming the mileage notes. “best” segment of the Maricopa More:Hiking the Maricopa Trail in Trail is purely subjective, the bit that the goes from Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area in Cave Creek to the Skull Mesa trailhead in Tonto

National Forest is as fine a candidate Sometimes, an addiction is a good as any. thing. Swapping a junk food obsession or movie streaming fixation for a commitment to healthful foods and regular outdoor recreation are the kinds of addictions that improve quality of life. Kicking From this point, the Maricopa Trail bad habits isn’t easy, but hiking can continues on through one of its help wean even the most devout more remote, rugged and triple-burger-with-the-works mountainous sections. But for an

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introductory outing, the wood sign These days, many people Park or Olympic National Park — makes for a good turnaround point are clocking in from home and both are under three hours by car. that will inspire you to come back wearing PJs well into the afternoon. for more. Staying home is a luxury in itself, but as anyone who has worked remotely Maricopa Trail: Spur Cross Ranch to before knows, the best thing about Tonto National Forest working from home is that you Length: 4 miles round trip. don't have to work from home. As Rating: Easy. long as the Wi-Fi is reliable and your Elevation: 2,263-2,407 feet. computer is charged, you can work Getting there: Spur Cross Ranch from a hotel room, Airbnb, or pool Conservation Area, 37622 N. Cave cabana. It's the marriage of two Creek Road, Cave Creek. From things that always seem to be at odds Phoenix, Arizona Loop 101 in Phoenix, take Cave with one another: work and Creek Road north to Spur Cross vacation. It doesn't matter when you visit Road (on the left just as you enter Phoenix, the city is always the downtown area) and go 4.5 miles These days, workcations are not only welcoming and warm (literally). And north to the parking area. doable, they're enjoyable. Hotels are that goes for workcationers, too. Admission: $3 per person. Bring offering workcation packages, long- Book a stay at the uber- exact change. term rentals are being outfitted with hip Found:Re Phoenix Hotel and Details: For Spur Cross Ranch desks, and destinations are making it enjoy easy access to downtown Conservation Area information and easy for remote workers to Phoenix and the Japanese Friendship a map of the Maricopa Trail, go experience life in their world Garden, or or try out Hyatt's "Work to https://www.maricopacountypark (looking at you, Hawaii). From Hyatt" package at the Hyatt s.net. Regency Scottsdale and Royal Palms However, there are some cities that Resort & Spa, where you'll find 8 Best U.S. Cities for are just a little more welcoming for private work areas and speedy workcationers than others. They internet. a Workcation have plenty of amenities and speedy Combine work (or school) and internet (as you'd expect), but they When you're ready to explore, check vacation with a workcation in one of also provide easy access to things we out the urban hiking on Camelback these U.S. cities. look for in a vacation: white-sand Mountain, McDowell Mountain BY EVIE CARRICK beaches, skiing, amazing food, and a Regional Park, or South Mountain JANUARY 14, 2021 relaxing escape. Park & Preserve. You can cruise Travel and Leisure Magazine around on the city's bike share or Seattle, Washington plan a day trip to Saguaro National Seattle is the sort of place you can Park, home of giant saguaro cactus wander around for hours — after and ancient petroglyphs. you've finished your work, of course. Cruise down the eight-and-a-half- mile Seattle Waterfront Pathway and enjoy the views of Elliot Bay, or check out one of the city's outdoor art installations — A Sound Garden and The Black Sun are two Editor's Note: Those who choose to to shoot for. And of course, no trip travel are strongly encouraged to to Seattle is complete without a stop check local government restrictions, at Pike Place Market, which is just a rules, and safety measures related to five-minute walk from the COVID-19 and take personal wonderfully central Fairmont Aspen, Colorado comfort levels and health conditions Olympic Hotel. We're betting that a trip into consideration before departure. to Aspen has always been on your On the weekend, make the drive bucket list, so if not now, when? The era of cubicles and water-cooler to Mount Rainier National You can kick it at The St. Regis chitchat feels like a world away. Aspen Resort in downtown Aspen

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(blocks from Aspen Mountain) or to their daily breakfast service) or Historic Park or the Safari escape the hubbub in the settle into a spacious two- or four- West wildlife preserve. Those neighboring village of Snowmass bedroom suite at the Caldera House, looking to find the next great wine (less than 20 minutes from Aspen by which is perfectly situated in Jackson should head to Walt Wines (known car). Snowmass is home to the Hole Mountain Resort. for their pinot noir) or the largest ski resort in the area — stunning Ledson Winery & Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort — and When you're not working, there's Vineyards. has endless ski-in, ski-out plenty to see and do. You can ski accommodations and easy access to one of the area's three world- New Orleans, Louisiana the outdoors. renowned ski resorts, check out There's more to New Orleans than the National Elk Refuge (home to Mardi Gras and jazz; it's a city with a When you're not skiing (or working), one of the largest elk herds), or plan rich history, excellent food, and book a day at the 7,000-square- a day trip to Grand Teton National plenty of things to do and see in a foot Spa at Viceroy Snowmass or Park. Foodies will want to grab a surprisingly small radius. take a hot air balloon ride to get a slice from Pinky G's Pizzeria (made Workcationers won't be bird's eye look at the surrounding famous by Diners, Drive-Ins and disappointed with a stay at mountains (we promise, your jaw Dives) or grab dinner at the new the Residence Inn New Orleans will drop). (and delicious) Coelette. When the French Quarter, where you'll be weekend rolls around, the two-and- treated to a full in-suite kitchen, Honolulu, Hawaii a-half-hour journey to Yellowstone separate living and sleeping areas, Honolulu is a beautiful, multicultural National Park is well worth the and a hot daily breakfast. Or, you city that just so happens to sit right drive. can settle into your 1-, 2-, or 3- on the beach. If that wasn't reason bedroom suite at the four-star Alfred enough to make Honolulu your at Factors Row hotel and clock in workcation destination, the from their rooftop terrace. state's "Movers & Shakas" program might. You can help Hawaii After a day "at the office" explore build a resilient economy and get the historic French Quarter on foot, involved in local nonprofits in book a swamp tour, or grab a po' exchange for roundtrip flights to boy and a frozen Irish coffee Honolulu — and of course, endless from Killer Poboys. beach access. Miami Beach, Florida Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton Sonoma, California For a beachy escape on the Residences, Waikiki Beach have full If a work day followed by a glass of mainland, Florida is hard to top — kitchens, a work space, and washer pinot noir and a leisurely walk and when you're looking for a and dryer, making extended stays a through a colonial-era plaza sounds beach-filled workcation, Miami million times more comfortable. Just appealing, a workcation to Beach is where you'll want to be. down the beach, the 'Alohilani Sonoma might be in the cards. Stay You can stay in the heart of the Resort, Waikiki Beach and Outrigger at the Sonoma Bungalows in island city at the Fontainebleau Waikiki Beach, both offer spacious downtown Sonoma, each with their Miami Beach, which is offering rooms and suites with ocean views. own gourmet kitchen and open special extended-stay pricing and When you're ready to explore living spaces that are perfect for resort credits to make that (beyond your luxe accommodations working (or schooling) from home. workcation feel just a little more and the beach), the Just outside town is the Fairmont luxe. For families taking both work Wiliwilinui Hiking Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, a and school on the road, Trail and Honolulu Museum of luxury, laid-back property with a the Shelborne South Beach's "Family Art are nearby. "School & Pool" package that Fun & Getting School Work Done" includes live outdoor music package includes access to a Jackson, Wyoming performances, a special kid- classroom-style remote learning Jackson may be small, but approved menu, and plenty of time room and high-speed Wi-Fi. because it's a resort town, it has in the resort's geothermal plenty of big-city amenities. You can pool. When work and school has let When the work (or school) day has book a room at The Lodge at out for the day, there's plenty to do. come to an end, there's more to do Jackson Hole (just don't get too used Head to the Jack London State than sit on the beach. Check out The

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Bass' outdoor art installations or coronavirus pandemic began in schedules because they were working grab a bite at Pubbelly Sushi. If you March, according to Cardin. from home.” need a full-day escape, head to Everglades National Park (just The increased population in the The increased population of one hour from Miami Beach) and county, as well as new circumstances Maricopa County doesn’t just impact look for alligators and turtles on the with the coronavirus pandemic at the park systems, but it also plays a Anhinga Trail or climb the 65-foot large, calls for new protocols in place very big role in wildlife conservation observation tower at Shark Valley for parks and lakes in the county as throughout the state because an for a stunning view over the well as new threats for wildlife. increased population causes more everglades. building to be done and therefore The increased population will lead to forces animals to navigate through more home development as well as new structures, according to the Animals and people other necessary buildings to help Arizona Game and Fish website. increasingly mix at sustain it. Over time, the developments have moved closer Arizona Game and Fish and Arizona parks and closer to Maricopa County parks Department of Transportation are By Hailey Forbis, Peoria Times such as White Tank Mountain working together to build wildlife Contributing Writer Regional Park. connectivity structures in Arizona, Jan 14, 2021 said Arizona Game and Fish Peoria Times When the park was developed in the Department public information 1960s, there was hardly any officer Tom Caden. urbanization, but now it has housing on all four sides of the mountain. According to the Arizona Game and Fish website, the wildlife “Where we used to be a very rural connectivity structures are made to park system, we’re becoming more help support the wildlife movement suburban in many areas,” said as the county continues to progress. Cardin. “As new roads, communities, and energy corridors are put on the Parks have seen an increased ground, the wildlife that traditionally Lake Pleasant and other parks have seen big increases number of visitations, which is a moved through the area are forced in visitors during the pandemic. threat to the public with the to find ways around or through the Photo courtesy Maricopa County Parks and Recreation coronavirus pandemic still impacting new structures.” the world. An increased population in Maricopa These structures include County will result in a greater To keep numbers lower to help limit passageways above and below roads number of people attending the the spread of COVID-19, Maricopa that allow animals to safely cross. parks and less room for animals. County Parks and Recreation started The location of these structures blocking off every other parking requires lots of data collection to Maricopa County’s population is space. know where the animals tend to estimated to increase from the migrate. current 4.5 million to 5 million by Lake Pleasant Regional Park in 2022, according to the Maricopa Peoria would have to close its gates The wildlife connectivity structures County Parks and Recreation by 8 or 9 a.m. because it would reach have led to a 95% decrease in Demographics and Trends Analysis. the 50% capacity cap, said Cardin. collisions between vehicles and elk and bighorn sheep, said Scott Maricopa County Parks and “Our parks tend to be very busy on Sprague, project manager and road Recreation Director R.J. Cardin the weekends. Lake Pleasant is a very ecologist for the Arizona Game and noted that for the past three years good example because we started Fish Department. Maricopa County has been the seeing high visitation rates on fastest-growing county in the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, The Arizona Game and Fish country. Thursday,” said Cardin, “because Department is “doing a study right people were either not working or now with mule deer,” said Sprague. Maricopa County parks have seen a they had much more flexible It is working to gather data for 41% increase in visitation since the possible wildlife connectivity

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structures on the west side of White resulted from overall operating in federal taxes and $5.84 million in Tank Mountain Regional Park and expenditures. state and local taxes. the new Interstate 11 that is in the Chhabra said another key finding works. was the high park leverage ratio, which is the return on investment This study will provide the Arizona for any money invested in operating Department of Transportation the Maricopa County Parks and (ADOT) information on where the Recreation Department. deer go for food and how they migrate across the land. The Arizona The department administers one of Game and Fish Department is the largest regional park systems in working with ADOT to build the United States, with more than possible wildlife connectivity 120,000 acres of parkland and over structures with the new interstate. Deepak Chhabra, associate professor at ASU's 800 miles of trails, according to School of Community Resources and DevelopmentDownload Full Image Cardin. This will prevent vehicular collisions with animals on the new highway. “For every dollar invested in the The study focused on eight parks. eight regional parks by the Maricopa Chhabra said it showed that the “From a wildlife population County Parks and Recreation Maricopa County parks system standpoint, the bigger animals are Department in net operating generates significant economic the ones that take the harder hit expenses to offer recreational benefits for the communities where when they lose animals,” said facilities and experiences for visitors, the parks are located. Sprague. a local resident receives an economic benefit of $4.85 in employee The eight parks included in the study Research finds compensation and proprietary were: income. The Maricopa Parks are an • Cave Creek Regional Park. taxpayers get more economic powerhouse as evidenced • Lake Pleasant Regional than 4 times return by the high leverage ratio and other Park. positive study findings,” Chhabra • San Tan Mountain on investment in said. Regional Park. Maricopa County • Usery Mountain Regional Maricopa County Parks and parks and Park. Recreation Director R.J. Cardin • Estrella Mountain Regional recreation said this number is double what was Park. January 13, 2021 estimated about four or five years • McDowell Mountain ASU News ago. Regional Park.

• “We were somewhere in the Spur Cross Ranch Maricopa County residents realized a Conservation Area. $4.85 return on investment for every neighborhood of two dollars for every dollar that was invested in • White Tank Mountain dollar the county Parks and Regional Park. Recreation Department spent on parks, to this time we are over four,” he said. operating costs at its eight parks in The county should look for more 2019, according to an ASU The study reported that direct visitor strategies to “increase park visitation economic impact study. and develop additional external spending and operating expenses translated to $69.87 million in gross collaborative partnerships with The study, led by School of ancillary sectors,” according to one Community Resources and regional product, $45.61 million in labor income and 948 full-time, part- of the study’s main Development Associate recommendations. Professor Deepak Chhabra, indicates time or seasonal jobs over a 12 month period. In addition, the study the parks and recreation system One area for that possible future generated more than $93 million in found total direct spending generated $9.5 million in federal expansion is campgrounds. direct spending during that timeframe, and that $82 million of taxes and $5.84 million in state and local taxes. Park expenditures “There would be a dual benefit to that money came from visitor adding more campgrounds in the expenditures, while $10 million generated approximately $9.5 million Page 8

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county parks, for example. It meets Cave Creek honors The contents of the time capsule will visitor needs, but it also adds to the be “documents containing the regional economy,” Cardin said. its past to close history of the land: it’s prehistoric 2020 occupation, the time as a dude Chhabra said the COVID-19 ranch, a summary of archaeological By Tom Scanlon, Foothills Focus pandemic has “generated new investigations conducted and Staff Writer rhythms, which have altered the pace attempts to develop the land, Jan 6, 2021 and tempo of contemporary life.” preservation efforts and a list of

citizens involved in the preservation For instance, Chhabra said the effort.” demand for outdoor recreation is likely to increase because people are According to a presentation, “The traveling shorter distances and area we know as Spur Cross Ranch staying closer to home. Investments Conservation Area was occupied by made to local and regional parks not the Hohokam prehistorically from only enhance the quality of life and about 700-1300 AD.” overall mental and physical well- Cave Creek Town Council ended an being in local and regional A dude ranch started in the area in intense year with a three-hour neighborhoods, they also spark a 1928, operating for two decades, meeting focused on honoring the ripple effect throughout the regional until owner Warren Beaubien recent and distant past. economy, Chhabra added. crashed his private airplane on the

ranch landing strip, dying several At its Dec. 21 meeting, after hearing The study suggests that the county days later. a presentation summarizing the should expand economic town’s business and activities in development investments in new The ranch closed shortly after. In 2020 by Town Manager Carrie capital projects, park renovations 1996, developers pitched a plan to Dyrek, council took a trip down and major maintenance projects, build a golf community at Spur memory lane. marketing and collaborative ventures Cross Ranch, which was then in with the private and nonprofit Maricopa County. A request was made to sectors to boost visitor spending, commemorate the acquisition of increase the length of stay, improve Friends of Spur Cross Ranch rallied Spur Cross Ranch Conservation visitor experiences and protect and to stop development and preserve Area by placing a monument and enhance the park's natural resources. the area. After the town annexed time capsule on the town-owned part of the property, in 2000, Cave Phoenix Mine property near the The research study team consisted of Creek residents overwhelmingly entrance to SCRCA. master’s degree student Joseph approved a bond to pay $6.8 million

Quash and PhD student volunteer for one-third of the property. The monument will have a plaque Linsi He. School of Community Maricopa County and the state reading, “With a band of Cave Creek Resources and agreed to purchase the other two- citizens leading the effort, the Town Development Professor of thirds of Spur Cross Ranch from of Cave Creek, Maricopa County, Practice Dale Larsen also Great American Insurance for $19 and the State of Arizona joined contributed to the nearly yearlong million. forces to preserve Spur Cross study. Ranch.” “Today, Spur Cross Ranch is a

The study was conducted in conservation area enjoyed by Council voted unanimously for the partnership with ASU through an thousands, its wildlife, riparian area, monument and time capsule, a intergovernmental agreement with and archaeological sites preserved symbolic approval, as there is no all three major universities in for future generations,” the cost to the city. According to the Arizona, according to Cardin. presentation stated. presentation, “Donations will pay

for the purchase of both the Written by Susan Wong, Watts Local landmarks monument and the time capsule. No College of Public Service and Council also voted unanimously to maintenance is required as the iron Community Solutions marketing launch a “Local Landmarks” will have a rust patina.” communications. program.

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The program will “identify and recognize significant places in the “This isn’t going to happen again Town of Cave Creek and encourage until 2080. I don’t think I’ll be residents and visitors of Cave Creek around to see it,” Bunch said. to support the places that make Cave Creek unique.”

Budgeted for a maximum of $10,000, the town will create Local Landmark plaques at a cost per plaque of under $500. The first six “significant places” that will receive plaques: • Cave Creek Inn. • Big Earl’s Greasy Eats. • De Trading Post. • Dairy Queen. • The Hideaway Grill. • Harold’s Cave Creek Corral.

Local Landmarks is “a preservation project created to identify and recognize the important iconic buildings of Cave Creek by telling the history and stories about the places and people that make/made Cave Creek unique.”

“I think it’s a great program. I always like to see things from the past, especially a town and unique and eclectic as ours,” said Councilman Ron Sova.

Cave Creek 2020 The town manager’s presentation on “The 2020 Year in Review” stated Cave Creek permitted over $47 million in new construction, including 200,000 square feet in new homes and 114,000 square feet in commercial buildings (including Sprouts Farmers Market and Dutch Bros. Coffee).

Dyrek called 2020, which also featured back-to-back wildfires, “the most devastating and inspiring year.” Skygazing

Mayor Ernie Bunch called a 10- minute break at 6:30 p.m. for those present at the meeting to go outside and watch the “conjunction” of planets Jupiter and Saturn.

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